Recent performances have raised questions about the viability of Brandin Cooks in the Buffalo Bills’ lineup. The former first-round draft pick has struggled since joining the team, leading many to call for an end to the experiment.
Bills Urged to End WR Experiment with Former First-Rounder
Cooks, who signed with the Bills on November 25, has only recorded a single reception in his first four games with the team. At 32 years old, he is far from the receiver who once achieved over 1,000 yards in a season. His brief tenure has been marked by missed opportunities and pivotal dropped passes, leaving fans and analysts questioning his role.
Underwhelming Performance
In his debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cooks caught a 13-yard pass on Buffalo’s opening drive but failed to contribute afterward. Key drops against the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns significantly affected the team’s momentum in close games.
- Against the Patriots: Cooks dropped a pass on the first play, contributing to a three-and-out.
- Against the Browns: He missed a catch that could have shifted the field position in a tight game.
- Prior Encounter with Saints: Earlier in the season, playing for the New Orleans Saints, Cooks dropped a potential touchdown pass against the Bills.
Roster Implications
The Bills currently list seven wide receivers on their active roster, yet only five can participate on game days. Players like Gabe Davis have been sidelined in favor of Cooks, raising concerns about roster management. Davis has proven his value with solid blocking and chemistry with quarterback Josh Allen, suggesting that Cooks may not be worth the roster spot he occupies.
Team’s Outlook
Despite the criticism, Josh Allen has publicly supported Cooks, expressing optimism about their developing rapport. He stated, “We’ve been really close over the last couple of games, and we have supreme faith that we’re going to make those [plays].” However, many believe that Cooks’ contributions may not be sufficient to justify his roster position as the season progresses.
With the Bills looking to solidify their offensive strategy, the future of Cooks remains uncertain. Fans and analysts alike will closely monitor his performance in the coming weeks to see if he can turn things around or if it’s time for Buffalo to move on from this signing.
